United Way of Greater Mercer County (UWGMC), a nonprofit organization that improves the financial stability, self-sufficiency, and health of Mercer County residents, announced recently that Jennifer Woods of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has become the new chair of the board of directors.

Ms. Woods joined the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in 2014 as the staff development officer. In this role, she is tasked with improving organizational effectiveness by working with leadership to understand business challenges/skills gaps, and to determine and then implement strategies to address the learning needs of the organization. 

Previously, Ms. Woods was an associate program manager of training with Rutgers University School of Social Work New Jersey Child Support Institute. Her career in learning and development spans more than 25 years, and she has held numerous training and development roles in both corporate and nonprofit organizations.

She earned a bachelor’s degree from Douglass College/Rutgers University and a master’s degree from Montclair State University. A New Jersey native, she lives in North Brunswick with her husband, Christopher Woods, and their son.

Ms. Woods replaces Scott Nelson, who served as the organization’s board chair for three years. Ms. Woods has served as a board member of the United Way of Greater Mercer County for the last two years and is excited to guide the organization through a strategic planning process, “I’m thrilled to be leading the United Way of Greater Mercer County during this transition phase where we will determine how we can best serve our community,” she said.

In addition, several members of the board of directors have finished their terms. The United Way of Greater Mercer County thanks the following individuals for their many years of service: Vito Mastro, Matthew Graglia, Michael Conlan, and Thomas Romano.